Evaluation of Human Growth and Development Program, 1971-72 School Year.

North Allegheny School District, Pittsburgh, PA.

For the purpose of program refinement and improvement, this evaluation analyzes student, teacher, and parental impressions of the Human Growth and Development Program during its implementation in the 1971-1972 school year. Representative samples of the constituents concerned with the program participated in audio and video taped interviews and answered questionnaires. Characteristics of the current program as perceived by teachers, students, and parent reflect the range of feelings about the program. Perceptions expressed dealt with student reaction to the separation of the sexes in classes, repetition of some drug information, teachers' avoidance of topics concerning value questions and controversial issues, the need to involve community resource people in the program, and the students' need for help in personal problems. Teachers identified the need to synchronize and coordinate the program within the grade level and from one grade level to another. They also expressed a need for an in-service training program for course preparation which would increase length and content. Impressions of the evaluation team show that the program was implemented with minimal difficulty; that students viewed the courses as similar to other courses and have accepted the program without difficulty; and that although parents had the opportunity to learn more about the program few availed themselves of the opportunity; however, parents in general favored the course. For a description of the program see SO 006 168. (SJM)